Day two of the amphibious assault on Betio, Tarawa atoll, by U.S. 2nd Marine Division, during World War II in the Pacific.

U.S. Marines of 2nd Marine Division setting up communications on beachhead of Betio, Tarawa Atoll, on day two of their amphibious assault against Japanese forces there, in World War 2. Individual marines moving low and fast across the sand, as gunfire sounds all around. Casualties being moved on litters. Entire area under fire with destruction everywhere. Marines taking cover wherever possible. Some firing machine gun from sandbagged position. Area covered by smoke from gunfire and explosions. Marines shielded by remains of Japanese structures as they move about, engaged in fierce fire fights. More wounded being tended. Marines using hand grenades and flame throwers against Japanese soldiers in fortified positions. Marines moving carefully across series of Japanese positions, checking for remaining Japanese defenders. Several move against a Japanese position in a hill, using small arms hand grenades and flame thrower. Many dead Japanese soldiers are seen on the other side of the hill, after it is taken. Marine carrying a machine gun and setting it up. An ambulatory wounded marine.